Botanical Name: Apium nodiflorum
Some other names: Stonecress, Fools Watercress.
How to Grow It
Lebanese Cress (Apium nodiflorum) is what I like to call a “hard-to-kill” plant – once you’ve got it, you’ll probably always have it. It forms a lush, low-growing mat of fine, feathery leaves that will happily cover the ground, creeping into any moist spot it can find. Left unchecked, it can quickly turn into a green carpet, but the upside is that you’ll have endless greens on hand.
It loves moist soil and will thrive in boggy spots, by ponds, or along drains – but it’s not fussy and will tolerate some dry spells once established. If the soil dries out too much, it’ll slow down and leaves may toughen up, but they’ll bounce back after rain or a good soak.
Lebanese Cress prefers partial shade, especially in the hotter months – in full sun the leaves can be coarser, but still usable. In cooler climates, it may die back or go dormant over winter, then spring back when the weather warms.
can be invasive?
Propagation couldn’t be easier: just rip up a clump, roots and all, and plonk it where you want it. Give it some water and it’ll settle in with almost no fuss. If you’re in a warmer region, it’s smart to start 2–3 patches in different spots (some sunnier, some shadier), so you’ll always have tender leaves from at least one patch.
Herbal & Nutrient Value
Lebanese Cress might look delicate, but it’s nutritionally strong too. It’s a good source of protein for a leafy plant and loaded with Vitamin A (great for eyes and skin), Vitamin C (immunity boost), and Vitamin B complex for energy and nervous system support. It also brings iron and calcium for blood and bone health, along with potassium and phosphorus for strong muscles and healthy cells.
In folk medicine, Lebanese Cress (and its relatives) have been used as a mild diuretic and general tonic, helping the body flush out excess fluid and support kidney health. While not as famous as some medicinal herbs, its mix of vitamins and minerals makes it a solid everyday “nutritional booster” if you eat a few handfuls each week.
Traditional & Home Remedies
Cress Tea – Simmer handful of leaves for 10 min; used for kidney/bladder support.
Poultice for Swollen Joints – Crushed fresh leaves applied to bruises or swelling.
Detox Broth – Boiled with carrots, onion, and garlic; drunk as a cleansing tonic.
Herbal Bath Infusion – Leaves steeped in hot water; infusion added to bath for skin conditions.
Using It in the Kitchen
The flavour of Lebanese Cress is refreshing and clean – imagine a cross between carrots and celery, with a light crunch. It’s not overpowering, which makes it easy to toss into just about anything.
It shines best fresh: pick handfuls for salads, sandwiches, wraps, or scatter over cooked dishes as a garnish. Chopped finely, it adds a subtle lift to coleslaw or pasta salads. The stems are tender enough to eat raw, but you can also toss the whole lot into stir-fries or soups right at the end for colour and a bit of crunch.
Simple recipe ideas:
= Lemon & Lebanese Cress Salad – toss leaves with lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt for a zingy side salad.
– Garden Wraps – add a fistful of fresh cress to sandwiches or wraps for instant crunch and freshness.
– Green Omelette – fold chopped cress into an omelette with a little feta for a light, herby breakfast.
– Quick Stir-Fry Finish – throw a handful into a stir-fry right before serving to brighten the dish.
– Cress & Carrot Slaw – mix finely chopped Lebanese Cress with shredded carrots and mayo for a twist on classic coleslaw.
Other Uses
Lebanese Cress is so vigorous it’s practically a living mulch – great for ground cover in wet or semi-shaded areas, where it will suppress weeds and stabilise soil. It’s also a handy fodder plant – chickens, ducks, and even rabbits will happily nibble it, giving you another way to turn it into food via eggs and manure.
Why it’s a survival plant:
it’s tough, spreads easily, regrows after harvest, and thrives in tricky spots like boggy corners where few other edibles will. Plant it once, and you’ll have a permanent patch of salad greens that almost looks after itself.
